Africa must be fairly compensated and recognized as a special needs region

14 October 2021: As Kenya prepares to take the Road to Glasgow, Scotland for the United Nations Conference of Parties (COP26) in 15 days, Dr. Mithika Mwenda, the Executive Director of the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA), has called on African nations to press for fair compensation for climate injustices caused by industrialized countries.

‘‘African nations are going to COP26 with a hangover of disappointments. Yet, we are hopeful that the Designate Presidency, the British government, understands the need to ensure that COP26 does not go down as another COP that failed Africa, “he said, during a breakfast meeting organized by Nation Media Group on  the 14 October 2021.   

Dr. Mithika insists that Kenya, like other African countries, must not give up but stand up for herself to ensure the climate injustices are repaired. “You are all aware that our continent is facing undue hardship and losses because of climate change. Our people have contributed little to nothing to this crisis, yet they are the most vulnerable and least capable of protecting themselves. This is neither just nor acceptable,” he said.

To correct these injustices, industrialized countries, who are responsible for 80% of green house gas emissions, must contribute their fair share of resources to help our citizens adapt to, and withstand the suffering caused by floods, prolonged droughts, disease outbreaks and other difficulties caused by a rapidly warming planet.

The renowned climate and social justice crusader challenged leaders attending COP26 to make firm decisions to deliver $100 billion climate finance for developing countries post-2020: “They have to do so, not as a favour to us in Africa and elsewhere in the world, but because they owe poor communities and countries, and mother Earth a duty to fix the mess they have created.”

Dr. Mithika also noted that Kenya has united with other Governments in the continent under the African Group of Negotiators to call for a decision during the COP26 to recognize Africa as special circumstances and needs region.

The Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Keriako Tobiko will be leading the Kenyan delegation to attend (COP26) in Glasgow on 31 October – 12 November 2021.